- 01 Introduction
- 02 Biology of DNA
- 03 Practical Issues Specific to DNA Evidence
- 04 Introduction to the Forensic DNA Laboratory
- 05 Assuring Quality in DNA Testing
- 06 Understanding a Forensic DNA Lab Report
- 07 Statistics and Population Genetics
- 08 Mitochondrial DNA & Y-STR Analysis
- 09 Forensic DNA Databases
- 10 Collection of DNA Evidence from Suspects and Arrestees
- 11 Pretrial DNA Evidence Issues
- 12 Victim Issues
- 13 Trial Presentation
- 14 Postconviction DNA Cases
- 15 Emerging Trends
Principles of Forensic DNA
for Officers of the Court
for Officers of the Court
Module 4 :: Intro To the Lab
Topic 2 :: Laboratory Processes Used in Forensic DNA Analysis
Data Interpretation
Forensic DNA analysts must convert fluorescence data that is either in the form of bands on a gel or peaks on an electropherogram into information that can be shared and communicated with lay persons.
Click here to view an animation that explains more about electropherogram interpretation.
This process requires taking multicolor fluorescent information generated during testing and translating it into genotypes, which is the specific genetic profile of a sample.
An STR profile is simply a series of numbers that represents all of the genotypes detected in a particular sample for each locus, or area of the DNA molecule, that is examined. This information is communicated in a report that is generated by the laboratory.
